The annual CROP Hunger Walk, hosted this year by Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor Sunday, raised more than $35,000, organizers said.

Program coordinator Bill Alt said the purpose of the 38th annual CROP walk, whose acronym stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty, is to raise awareness, as well as collect canned food and money to alleviate hunger.

"The event tries to bring people together across differences," he said. Alt also hopes people will become more active in the community as a result of the walk.

An estimated 400 participants had the option to walk a 1 or 5 mile course . The event is sponsored by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. With the help of about 100 volunteers, they were able to collect 357 pounds of food and $35,727.75 through pledges.

Alt expects that number to be larger after collecting all money and donations. He said 25 percent of the funds raised stays locally and the remainder is used for international relief.

Alt called the event a success. "Even with the threat of terrible weather, there was great energy and spirit," he said.